A supplemental appropriation will be necessary to pay for unemployment of an employee who retired earlier this year.
Members of the Tiffin City Council Finance Committee asked Law Director Brent Howard to prepare legislation for a supplemental increase of $3,000 to the workers' unemployment line.
Additional funds were needed due to unexpected claims, including that of Wayne Stephens, former city administrator who retired in February.
According to Finance Director Gwynn Reinhart, Stephens' claim is to cost the city about $10,000.
Although he retired, Howard said the law gives some leeway on benefits to employees who retire for health purposes.
Stephens had a heart attack in June 2010, which was a contributing factor in his decision to leave.
City Administrator Deb Reamer said she has been working on the claim since she was hired, and twice it was blocked.
Reamer said she has received no documentation showing why the claim was accepted by the state board.
Reamer and Howard are building a defense for a hearing on the matter, but the city is required to pay until a decision is made.
Finance Committee Chair Mark Hayes asked for them to move quickly.
"I would ask that you move forward with an iron hand on this one," he said. "It just kind of catches me by surprise."
Stephens could not be reached for comment.
In another matter, the committee agreed to have legislation prepared for an increase of $11,000 to the law director budget.
Howard said the increase was necessary to cover costs of legal consultant John Larson of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, who helped prepare amendments to the city charter.
Howard said he views the expense, which occurs every 10 years, as worthwhile.
"He has expertise in this, he's been involved with our charter since it was first drafted in the 1970s," Howard said. "My recommendation is that this is a once-every-10-year (expense) that we can do right. I could probably do it, but I appreciate his expertise to make sure this is absolutely correct."
The committee also requested legislation seeking a $500 increase for equipment maintenance at the finance department.
Members also briefly discussed tax credits for citizens working in other municipalities. Committee members Steve Lepard and Aaron Montz said they would like to continue the conversation, but felt it best to take place during a Committee of the Whole meeting.
